In this week’s blog, we offer something different.
A chance to ask the experts who do this for a living… and also to ask the not so experts for their input on what cleaning/detailing products they would recommend using on your Abarth to get some great results.
With the show season approaching soon over the next few months. You may be in a bit of limbo on not being sure on what to buy due to the vast amount of companies out there covering all bases.
Today, the club staff and 3 of our club sponsors covering Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough have all provided their recommendations for you to try if you wish.
Name: Ross Johnston
Club Number: 001
Product of Choice: Jayswax Ceramic Detailer
Over the last couple of years I’ve received continuous feedback whether it’ll be from the club members or even passers-by at events or even in the street. The feedback received focused on how much of a great shine and wet look my current and previous Abarth has, especially in better weather conditions.
Jayswax Ceramic detailer is something I’d fully recommend if you want that wet look shine down the side of each panel. Not badly priced too at around £15.00, it is a perfect addition to your detailing box and even more so to have at hand ready for the upcoming show calendar. A simple spray on and wipe off with a microfiber cloth leaving such a nice finish that’ll have other car owners wanting to know your secret.
Name: Angie Kaczmarczyk
Club Number: 005
Product of Choice: Autobrite Direct Advanced Rain Repellant
Why: This product is easy to apply and dead quick to seal the windows. Repels rain/water from just 30mph, so really you don’t need to use your wipers if you’re feeling lazy! It last up to several washes too, so no need to reapply every single time the car is washed.
Tip: When applying the first time, recommend putting on two coats of the sealant, to make sure it’s all bedded in - remember the glass needs to be clean first!
Price: £12– 100ml
Name: Gavin Mason
Club Number: 007
Product of Choice: Citrus Bling by ValetPro
The one product that I couldn't be without, and would urge anyone that takes an interest in looking after their pride and joy is Citrus Bling by ValetPro. Briefly, it can be used for any of the following jobs;
Quick detailer (diluted 1 part CB to 5 parts water) Glass cleaner (1:3) Drying aid (1:3) Clay lube (1:16) Interior cleaner (1:3) Fast wax (1:1, or can be used neat but I'm tight and would rather it lasted even little longer!) Cleaning door shuts and engine bays (diluted 1:1)
All you need to adapt to the uses listed above is to dilute it to the relavant ratio (I've added my ratio preferences above). This truly is the most versatile product on the market and has been a part of my weekly detailing kit for almost 10 years. It's cheap, smells lovely and thanks to the dilution ratios it lasts forever.
I have Citrus Bling in a few of my favourite spray bottles, with each dilution ratio written on the front making it easy to make the right choice depending on the task at hand. This truly is the most versatile product available, and has been part of my weekly detailing kit for almost 10 years. Grab a bottle, you won't be disappointed!
And the best part.....it's available from our Club Sponsor Just Car Care!
Name: Aiden Oliver
Club Sponsor: Just Car Care (Sunderland)
Products of Choice: A breakdown guide of multiple products that will help towards a maintenance wash.
Snowfoam
Recommendation: Stjarangloss Sno pH Neutral Snow Foam, 1L
Why: Stjarangloss is a new brand at Just Car Care and after trying their products we decided they’d fit in perfectly with our store. The Snow Foam (Sno) is a perfect for adding lubrication to your vehicle to remove dirt from the vehicle before a contact wash. "Sno" can be diluted 100ml too 900ml of water in a snow foam lance, giving you over 40+ applications from a 1L bottle priced at only priced at only £11.95 giving you a crazy 30p per application!
Tip: Use on wide spread lance and allow to dwell for 10-15 minutes. Don’t let the product dry out BUT the longer you leave it, the better!
Price: £11.95 – 1L
Pre Wash / APC
Recommendation: AutoBrite Direct, Citrus Wash APC, 1L
Why: Citrus Pre Wash by AutoBrite direct is CRAZY value for money! We dilute this product in our detailing bay 1:100 to give us great cleaning power but you can also use it at 1:300. The APC can be used to soften and remove traffic film, grime and salt from your vehicle before contact washing but it can also be used as a carpet and upholstery cleaner, plastic and rubber cleaner and is safe on all surfaces.
Tip: Layer snow foam over the top of this product to increase the cleaning power of the pre wash!
Price: £14.95 – 1L
Shampoo
Recommendation: OneWax Just Clean, 500ml
Why: Just Clean by OneWax is a UK first brought to you by Just Car Care and it even shared the ‘JUST’ in the name! We tried this shampoo for the first time 3 months ago and fell in love with it instantly. The formula to make this shampoo gives a fantastic, slick feel that allows your wash mitt to glide over the surface of your vehicle with little-to-no resistance. The end result is a super glossy, protected vehicle with one simple wash.
Tip: You can also use this product through a snow foam lance for a thick, slick coverage of your vehicle for extra safety when using a wash mitt.
Price: £11.95 – 500ml
Wheel Cleaner
Recommendation: Stjarnaglosss Hjul Colour Changing Wheel Cleaner, 500ml
Why: A lot of people love Bilt Hamber’s Auto-Wheel for the cleaning abilities and colour changing wheel cleaning properties. Stjarnagloss Hjul is a very similar chemical formula that has amazed us in our detailing bay as a simple spray, dwell and rinse product and an in depth wheel cleaner. The pH neutral cleaner is perfect for all wheel finishes including matte, satin, gloss and bare metal and can also be used on bodywork as an iron remover if desired.
Tip: Spray, Dwell, Rinse onto a dry wheel to remove heavy contaminated then use again on a wheel brush for the barrels and faces to remove all dirt from the wheels.
Price: £9.95 – 500ml
Glass Cleaner
Recommendation: Carbon Collective Clarity, 250ml
Why: The glass cleaner from Carbon Collective, clarity is perfect for removing residue from the inside and the outside of your vehicle. The high alcohol content in this product allows you to use it with a smear-free finish while also leaving an SI02 layer behind to help repel water from your glass. This is perfect for those who want to use a glass cleaner to clean and protect at the same time.
Tip: A little goes a very long way with this product!
Price: £13.95 – 250ml
Glass Cleaner
Recommendation: Carbon Collective Clarity, 250ml
Why: The glass cleaner from Carbon Collective, clarity is perfect for removing residue from the inside and the outside of your vehicle. The high alcohol content in this product allows you to use it with a smear-free finish while also leaving an SI02 layer behind to help repel water from your glass. This is perfect for those who want to use a glass cleaner to clean and protect at the same time.
Tip: A little goes a very long way with this product!
Name: James Boustead
Club Sponsor: JBS Detailing (Newcastle)
Product of Choice: Wax Soft 99
Why: Wax soft 99 is a great all round wax and easy to use. Their full range is very good and user friendly!
Name: Jack Anderson
Club Sponsor: PCS Detailing (Middlesbrough)
Product of Choice: Angelwax Enigma QED - Ceramic Detailer
Why: This is a must have produce for all enthusiasts. A chance to experience a mini Si02 based quick detailer that is easy to use and gives great results. With a simple spray on, buff off effect it leaves a great gloss and provides excellent beading/sheeting which only means one thing, easy drying!
For how little effort is needed to apply the product, the results are great and definitely one to keep in the detailing arsenal!
So there we have it! You have a number of options available to try out if you're after something new and are looking to break away from the norm. Our club sponsors are at hand at all times to provide help and assistance if you want to get their verdicts on other products too. Be sure to give them a message if you need to.
Here's to another great show season with some amazing Abarth's on display!